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Reviews For: Par Electroncs BCST-LPF Medium Wave Low Pass Filter

Category: Filters, RF: bandpass, duplexer, lowpass, highpass, RFI/EMI

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Review Summary For : Par Electroncs BCST-LPF Medium Wave Low Pass Filter
Reviews: 3MSRP: 69
Description:
500 kHz low pass broadcast band filter
Product is in production
More Info: http://parelectronics.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0035
K6FOD Rating: 2019-02-20
Great filter for longwave Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'm in the urban Los Angeles area where we have very strong noise from MW AM broadcasters. I therefore bought the BCST-LPF filter to see if it would improve reception in the LF spectrum.

I'm pleased to say that so far it has performed very well. With an SDRplay RSPduo with SDRUno software I found that I was getting strong images of AM broadcasters at lower frequencies. The vendor suggested using a built-in MW notch filter in software and changes to the IF, which helped but did not remove the images. When I used the BCST-LPF filter in combination with the recommended software settings, the images were essentially zeroed out. This test was using a Wellbrook magnetic loop antenna.

I've also tested the BCST-LPF filter with an Icom IC-7300 used as a receiver in LF bands. The 7300 is not as susceptible to broadcast images, but I found that using the filter reduced the noise floor and improved readability of signals. This test was using an end-fed wire antenna.

I need to experiment further to determine the optimal settings of the rigs and antennas for best reception, but the performance of the BCST-LPF filter so far is very promising.


HFCRUSR Rating: 2018-03-29
Does exactly what it's supposed to. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought this filter and the BCST-HPF High-pass as well from PAR Electronics. I haven't even had this LP filter for 24 hours and am motivated to come in here to say this thing works and works very well. Thank you Dale. Here at my QTH in western San Francisco, Ca. I have several MW powerhouses within only a few miles from me. I was getting MW images, every 10kHz in longwave. On a few frequencies there were 3-4 offenders at once. Throw the toggle on this filter and POOF-gone. All gone. It even allows me to utilize the first of two preamps on my Icom R75 in LW where without this filter, I had to hit the ATT and no preamps to kill those images. Well that killed what I wanted too. Just adding in here what you all know well, that Dale makes awesome, highly effective stuff that solves problems. What was surprising and impressive to me was that these filters were "built-to-order" which I had no idea they did. Can't wait to see what the HP filter will do in HF!
W5PB Rating: 2018-01-25
Excellent performance and built quality Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
With overload from strong AM broadcast signals, including a 50 kw station less than 10 miles away, it has been impossible to hear anything below 500 kHz, despite a long held curiosity about longr eliminated nearly all the images from the AM broadcast band, making it possible to finally hear several NDB signals (non directional beacons). The unit has a bypass switch so you can compare reception with and without the filter inline. When switched on, it is like lifting a thick curtain and seeing sunlight come through the window. The difference was dramatic and impressive. I am finally able to hear signals instead of noise and interference. Once my antenna system is improved, I expect my results to improve as well, but this filter is a necessary first step for anyone living in a suburban or urban environment with several nearby broadcast stations.

The unit itself has a solid and well built feel to it, and the bypass switch makes testing much easier. I received the filter within a week of ordering, and am so far thrilled with my purchase. For the price and performance, it was money well spent.